TAP Into Another Town's News:

Man Convicted in Killing of Orange Football Player

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NEWARK, NJ – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Mark Lovett, 22, of Orange of aggravated manslaughter for killing Malcolm Bagley, a 19-year-old football standout.

Following a month-long trial before Judge Robert H. Gardner, the jury deliberated for a day and a half before finding Lovett guilty of killing Bagley on May 27, 2012 in a drive-by shooting on Taylor Street in Orange. He was also convicted of aggravated assault for shooting another man, unlawful possession of a rifle and possession of a rifle for unlawful purpose.

The jury acquitted Lovett of the more serious offense of murder. He was also found not guilty of conspiracy to commit murder.

Judge Gardner immediately revoked Lovett’s $1 million bail. Sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 12 at 1:30 p.m. He is facing up to 35 years in New Jersey State Prison.

Assistant Prosecutor Romesh Sukhdeo, who tried the case, said, “We believe justice was served in this case. Hopefully, this will bring some comfort to the victim’s family.’’

Shawn Watford, 26, of East Orange, the co-defendant, is scheduled be tried next. He is alleged to be the driver of the car. Watford is also charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder and weapons offenses.

A 2011 graduate of Orange High School, Bagley had just finished his freshman year at Dean College in Massachusetts, where he played on the school’s football team, when he was killed.

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